California is suing carmakers for global warming

[Garfield fan 0]

Dan Glaister in Los Angeles

Thursday September 21, 2006

The Guardian

Traffic on the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. Photograph: Robyn Beck/Getty images

America's most populous state, California, opened a new front in its struggle with climate change yesterday when it announced that it was suing the six largest carmakers in the US for allegedly contributing to global warming.

In the unprecedented lawsuit, the state accused Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler and Nissan of creating a "public nuisance" and costing it millions of dollars. Environmental campaigners hailed the lawsuit as a landmark event in the effort to deal with global warming.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/st...1877413,00.html

Another absurd lawsuit in USA...

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Not surprising that Chopf#cksAmasse would file such lawsuits.

They should remember the adage about "biting hand which feeds"; I guess they'll learn if one or more (we'll consider Toyota and Honda, which are both profitable; GeneralMaintenance and FixOrRepairDaily withdrawals may not have the same negative effect) of these co's gets ticked-off and ceases CA ops--result, no more revenue from them to CA!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

This is a step in the right direction and I applaud California for taking the lead.

[homesick_american 1]

I dunno how to feel about this. I think this lawsuit will be as successful as states suing gun manufacturers. It won't be a bonanza like when they sued tobacco companies.

On the one hand, it will bring attention to the issue and perhaps force American auto manufacturers to make more fuel-efficient cars, or the government to raise fuel efficiency requirements (which are not per vehicle but are an average of the fleet, or the number of cars sold per year...can't remember).

On the other, it won't do much to win over environmental moderates or fence-sitters and it could end up backfiring.

So...torn on this one.

[mawilson 2,133]

Suing for global warming - hahahahaha

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

In other news, Israelites sue God for breach of Covenant.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Car manufacturers and petroleum companies should be held accountable for air pollution, at the very least it might force them to clean up their act. Anyone who's lived in California can appreciate the contrast in air quality between the Bay Area and LA County. Down there the air is thick with dust and smog - to such an extent that the sky is brown - its also no coincidence that there are higher incidences of respiratory illness in SoCal.

[mawilson 2,133]

If they want to reduce pollution, they should increase the tax on high-emission vehicles

to encourage motorists to give them up in favour of hybrids and other fuel-efficient

vehicles. Suing car manufacturers is just plain stupid.

[Garfield fan 0]

In regards to global warming, isn't the US one of the countries that doesn't want to sign some world ratification on this issue ? Maybe California should sue the federal government for that.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I dunno how to feel about this. I think this lawsuit will be as successful as states suing gun manufacturers. It won't be a bonanza like when they sued tobacco companies.

On the one hand, it will bring attention to the issue and perhaps force American auto manufacturers to make more fuel-efficient cars, or the government to raise fuel efficiency requirements (which are not per vehicle but are an average of the fleet, or the number of cars sold per year...can't remember).

On the other, it won't do much to win over environmental moderates or fence-sitters and it could end up backfiring.

So...torn on this one.

Good points. The end result will put pressure on U.S. auto makers to produce and market more fuel effecient vehicles. It's no secret that they have effectively marketed larger, gas guzzling vehicles. Consumers are like putty in their hands.

[incanada1234 0]

I know how to make the air less polluted - let the ocean submerge California.

If only I was magic.

[mawilson 2,133]

Good points. The end result will put pressure on U.S. auto makers to produce and market more fuel effecient vehicles. It's no secret that they have effectively marketed larger, gas guzzling vehicles. Consumers are like putty in their hands.

What happened to personal responsibility? If I want to buy a gas guzzler, why should

the auto maker be punished for it?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Carmakers should hire the lawyers of the gun-manufacturers. After all, cars don't pollute the environment. People do. Maybe California should sue it's own driver and vehicle licensing agencies instead for putting more polluters and their tools on the road each and every day. I'm sure Cali doesn't issue registrations for Hummer's and other senseless guzzlers. Or do they?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

In regards to global warming, isn't the US one of the countries that doesn't want to sign some world ratification on this issue ? Maybe California should sue the federal government for that.

Actually, a number of states have already sidestepped the Federal Government and signed onto the Kyoto Protocol.

Good points. The end result will put pressure on U.S. auto makers to produce and market more fuel effecient vehicles. It's no secret that they have effectively marketed larger, gas guzzling vehicles. Consumers are like putty in their hands.

What happened to personal responsibility? If I want to buy a gas guzzler, why should

the auto maker be punished for it?

Right. And who should stop you from dumping toxic waste in your backyard? After all, it's YOUR backyard, right?

[Garfield fan 0]

After all, cars don't pollute the environment. People do.

[hockeygal 0]

Right. And who should stop you from dumping toxic waste in your backyard? After all, it's YOUR backyard, right?

well, by that logic, California should be suing Californians for driving!

everyone's got some responsibility in it. I just don't get why the solution to everything always has to be suing.